This Vitamin C Cream Is the Only Moisturiser I Plan on Using This Summer  

I rarely use moisturiser in the morning. It seems an odd thing to say, I know, considering that beauty experts are always saying that hydration is the most important factor in skin health. But hear me out. You see, my skin is naturally oily, so thick skincare products often leave me facing breakouts. After cleansing in the morning, I reach for a vitamin C serum and follow with a cream SPF (which tends to deliver ample hydration for my skin). In the evenings, when vitamin C and SPF aren't necessary, I use a lightweight moisturiser.

But recently, a daytime moisturiser has come my way that has forced me to totally rejig my routine. I've followed the same skincare formula for years, and I've never met a day cream that could convince me to ditch my regimen—not until Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream came along, anyway.

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(Image credit: @SHANNONLAWLOR)

I have previously tested Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, and I liked it. In fact, I have friends who consider it to be one of the best skincare products they've ever used. However, I would always choose a hardworking vitamin C serum over a rich face cream that risks causing a breakout. And while Sunday Riley's Rich Hydration Cream wasn't quite for me, Afterglow is a different story entirely.

For starters, the texture is light. At first glance, it seems just like any other cream moisturiser, but as soon as you start massaging it into your skin, it turns into a cooling, lightweight gel that's so refreshing it's reminiscent of splashing your face with cool water. Beyond that, it packs an impressive antioxidant punch. Formulated with THD ascorbate, an oil-stable form of vitamin C, it helps protect skin against damage caused by external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution—just like my go-to vitamin C serums do.

The thing that really convinced me to switch out my usual serums for this cream, however, is its glowing punch. It leaves skin looking luminous and radiant without delivering any sort of disco-ball shimmer. It contains a gently exfoliating lime-pearl extract to brighten skin while it hydrates and protects. Essentially, this moisturiser's ingredient list is so impressive that, as a skincare snob, I'm more than happy to forgo my usual favourites in favour of it. I just slather it on, pop my SPF on over the top and I'm good to go. I don't even feel tempted to put any makeup on. If you want my brutally honest opinion, save your money on vitamin C serums that cost three times the price and go for this glow-boosting moisturiser instead.

Shop Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.